Preventing Winter Slips, Falls in the Workplace  

The following article was provided by USI Insights. It is posted here with permission. 

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Keeping outdoor walking surfaces such as parking lots and sidewalks clear of ice in the winter is a crucial practice at many workplaces.  

Not only does ice removal offer aesthetic benefits, it can also help keep you, your co-workers and the general public (e.g., customers or passersby) protected from the risk of slips and trips on the job site. 

With this in mind, here’s how you can play your part in promoting effective and safe de-icing measures at the workplace this winter. 

Ice Removal Best Practices 

Utilize the following guidance to ensure proper ice removal procedures on the job site: 

• Use the right mixture. The most effective method for de-icing an outdoor walking surface is by applying a chemical mixture throughout the area to either melt any ice that already exists or prevent ice from forming altogether. This mixture typically includes rock salt (sodium chloride), magnesium chloride pellets or calcium chloride pellets. Make sure to use the correct mixture for the conditions at hand: 
  • Rock salt is most effective in temperatures above 5 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Calcium chloride pellets and magnesium chloride pellets are most effective in temperatures below 5 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Regardless of which mixture you use, consider incorporating sand into your mixture before applying it to the surface. Doing so will help limit the amount of mixture that you use and allow for extra traction when applied to the surface, minimizing the risk of slips and trips. 
• Watch the weather. Keep an eye on the weather forecast to determine when you need to apply the de-icing mixture to outdoor walking surfaces. This mixture should be applied when temperatures are below freezing or if conditions such as snow, hail or sleet are possible. 
• Apply the mixture correctly. Apply the de-icing mixture in thin, even layers across outdoor walking surfaces. Apply one layer before conditions occur, one or more layers while these conditions are taking place and a final layer after conditions have passed. If there is snow on a surface, it will need to be shoveled first before applying the de-icing mixture. Simplify the process by shoveling snow after every few inches of accumulation rather than all at once. 
• Protect your hands. Wear thick mittens and use a scoop to distribute the mixture. 
• Eliminate excess materials. When temperatures warm up and the de-icing mixture is no longer necessary, properly dispose of any remaining mixture left across outdoor walking surfaces. Leaving excess mixture on a surface when it isn’t needed could create slip and trip hazards and potentially damage the surface. 

Winter Weather Precautions 

While de-icing outdoor walking surfaces at the workplace, it is important to protect yourself from winter weather risks.

Implement the following safety precautions during ice removal: 

• Always check the weather before working outdoors to properly prepare yourself. Limit your time outside if conditions are extremely cold, wet or windy. 
• Dress appropriately for the task. Wear several loose layers of clothing, a warm hat that covers your head and ears, mittens (rather than gloves) and thick socks to keep your feet dry. Use shoes with plenty of traction and insulation to keep your feet warm and reduce your risk of slipping. 
• Stretch before working outdoors to prepare your body and limit sprain or strain injuries. 
• Eat healthy foods rich in carbohydrates and protein before working in the cold to fuel your body. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during and after your shift. 
• Know the initial signs of health complications such as overexertion, fatigue, frostbite and hypothermia. If you start developing symptoms, stop working and inform your supervisor.